End 'em all

The BBC has belatedly decided to call an end to the talent-free humiliation show that has been Total Wipeout, an excruciating legacy of the Jay Hunt regime at BBC1; even now, when I fail to avoid the trails showing people in designer life-jackets bouncing off inflated balls into chlorinated pools, I'm reminded that it would not have looked out of place on The Fast Show's Chanel 9.

But the spirit of creative competition between BBC Vision Productions and the vibrant UK indie market is on the case, vying to deliver a new Saturday tea-time offering to set the nation talking.  Or does Endemol have some hold over the BBC ?

"A TV source said today that Endemol already have an idea for a replacement for the Wipeout series" Mail.

"Endemol is understood to be working on a new format for the BBC to replace it"  Guardian.

 "It is understood show producers Endemol are in talks for a new replacement show to fill the Saturday night slot" BBC News.

• Endemol also brought you "Don't Scare The Hare".